“They have shown me support, from idea generation, all the way through to being a fully functioning business.”

Sampla is a local business which produce unisex shoes for casual wear. The shoes are made from a mix of sustainable materials including the water resistant apple-derived leather, natural crepe rubber (for the soles) and recycled polyurethane sourced from the automotive industry.

Founded by Waterford native Finbarr Power, Sampla specialises in crafted shoes with a commitment to ethical practices. “I started Sampla out of a desire to create a sustainable alternative in the footwear industry. I’d seen firsthand the environmental impact of traditional footwear production, and I wanted to offer people well designed, high-quality shoes made from innovative materials, with as little harm to the environment as possible.

“From the beginning, we’ve focused on transparency, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and it’s been great to see the positive response from customers.

“In the early stages of development, I travelled to Portugal to source a manufacturer that aligned with my vision for quality, transparency, and craftsmanship. I spent time visiting factories, speaking directly with the people behind the production, and gaining a first-hand understanding of their processes and working environments. This hands-on approach was essential, not just to ensure product quality, but to build a long-term relationship with a factory that shared my values. After several visits and a lot of trial and error, I found a partner who understood the level of detail and care I was looking for. From that point on, we worked closely together to refine every element of the product, from material selection to construction, making sure each decision was grounded in purpose and integrity.” Sampla first connected with the LEO early in the life of the business, and the LEO has been there all along, supporting the business as it’s grown. Through the LEO, Finbarr accessed mentoring and training that really helped shape its strategy. In 2021 he received a Priming Grant. This helped with costs early in the lifecycle of the business, including consultancy and innovation expenses.

Finbarr doesn’t take this help for granted, “I have a solid relationship with the Local Enterprise Office. They have shown me support, from idea generation, all the way through to being a fully functioning business. They supported me with accessing grants as well as pairing me with an experienced mentor.”  

In 2024 he also received a Trading Online Voucher which helped in the development of his digital strategy. The ongoing interaction with the LEO in Waterford has opened up other opportunities to Finbarr and his team, “We were also absolutely delighted to win the Google “You’re the Business” competition, which was also run in collaboration with the LEO office. That gave us fantastic exposure and further support to strengthen our digital presence. “Looking ahead, our focus is on continuing to expand Sampla into different markets. We’re excited about bringing our sustainable footwear to more customers internationally, while always staying true to our values and commitment to responsible production.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. 

Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for their latest training programmes, grants and events schedule on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all their training support information.

To find out more about Sampla see, www.sampla.ie